Electronic counting or registering arrangements



March 20, 1956 L. c. BURNETT 2,739,266

ELECTRONIC COUNTING OR REGISTERING ARRANGEMENTS Filed Sept. 20, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l /CA R3 POTENTIAL $6 K 5C; L F/GB. I 1 05 TC 0/ I M I TIME POTE L 064 F/G.4.

l IOP :PP PP I 77,145 1 I Inventor L BURNETT March 20, 1956 c. BURNETT 2,739,266

ELECTRONIC COUNTiNG OR REGISTERING ARRANGEMENTS I I v IQP 'PP IRP TIME 1 I Inventor ah/1. BURNETT March 20, 1956 c, BURNETT ELECTRONIC COUNTING OR REGISTERING ARRANGEMENTS Filed Sept. 20, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 F/G. l4. POTENTIAL POTENTIAL F G 066 NH -l fik'll [1- I n ventor L/OHEL Bl/RHETT United States Patent" 2,739,266' ELECTRONIC COUNTING oRJREoI'srE'RING ARRANGEMENTS Lionel Cliiford Burnett, Beeston, England, assignor to EricssonTelephones Limited, London, England Application September 20,. 1952, SerialNo. 310,688

11 Claims. (Cl.'315 84".6)

My invention relates to electronic counting or registering arrangements, and particularly to sucharrangements wherein electrical impulses are counted or registered by means of one or more gaseous electric discharge'tubes.

In such counting or registering" arrangements an outgoing pulse derived from a discharge tube on thecompletion of a pro-determined cycle of incoming pulses may be adapted to energise a tube in the next higher order or to operate electro-mechanical or other countingor registering means. The discharge tubes used in such arrangcments may be of a type, for example, such as that described in the complete specification accompanying copending application, wherein the discharge path is adapted to move in response to electrical irnpulsesfrom one signal electrode to the sameor another signal electrode by way of a group of two or more intermediate guide electrodes, or by way of a plurality ofsuchgroups of guide electrodes each in association with a transit electrode. H

It is convenient in such arrangements ifthe said outgoing pulse be derived from an electrode not connected to the incoming pulses or to pulses derived from the said incoming pulses.

It is an object of my invention to provide improved arrangements whereby an incoming pulse or a pulse or pulses derived therefrom is adapted to guide the discharge path, and attendant glow if any, in a gaseous electric discharge tube from one electrode to the same or another electrode by way of two or more intermediate electrodes.

In such gaseous electric discharge tubesthe signal and transit electrodes form one series, andthe guide electrodes form two or more other series of like electrodes, and it is a feature of my inventionthat one of the said series of electrodes is maintained at a substantially constant potential during the operation of the tube.

According to my invention I provide an arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising an electron discharge device and means responsive to' electrical impulses whereby a discharge path in the saiddevice is caused to move from an electrode of one group of electrodes by way of an electrode of each of two other groups of electrodes to another electrode of the first named group in response to each of the saidimpulses, characerised in this, that a potential appliedto the electrodes of one of the said. groups of electrodes is at all times during which a train of impulses being received maintained at a substantially constant value.

Again according to my invention I provide an arrangernent for counting electrical impulses comprising a gaseous electric discharge device and means responsive to such impulses whereby a discharge in' the said device between an electrode in one of three groups of electrodes of one kind and an electrode of another kind common thereto is caused to move from an electrode in one group of electrodes by Way of an electrode in each of the other two groups of electrodes to another electrode in the first named group in response a each of are said impulses, characterised in this, that the receipt of each impulse is caused to modify the potential at the electrodes: of two of the said groups of electrodes whilst a potential of substantially constant value is applied at all times tothe electrodes of the other group of electrodes;

Several different methods of carrying my invention into eiiect will now be described with reference toone of the types of gaseous electric discharge tubes described in the aforesaid prior specification. My invention'is not however confined to any one particular type. of tube but is applicable to other types of gaseous discharge tube. In each of the following descriptions I refer to a gaseous discharge tube in which a common-electrode inithe-for-m of a disc-shaped anode is surrounded by a plurality of cathode electrodes arranged equidistantly around-a cylindrical surface co-aXial with the anode. The plurality of cathode-electrodes is a multiple of three and every; third cathode-electrode is connected together either directly, or by way ofv a suitable circuit network, to form three series of such electrodes. One suchserieswill be termed signal/transit electrodes and the other two series firstguide electrodes and second-guide electrodes respectively.

With a gaseous electricdischargetube of the-described type the discharge path is guided from one electrode to an adjacent electrode by increasing the negative: potential, withrespect to the anode potential on the adjacent cathode electrode to which it is desired to transferthe discharge path; or by reducing the said negative potential, with respect to the anode, on the cathode on which the discharge path is halted to below the negative potential on the adjacent cathode electrode to which it is de sired to guide the said discharge path; or by removing the said negative potential from the cathode on which the discharge path is halted whilst maintaining on. the adjacent cathode electrode a negative potential withrespect to the anode potential which is sufficient to maintain the said discharge path between the anode and the said cathode electrode.

In each of thofollowing descriptions one of the said series of electrodes, used as the input series, is pulsed from its quiescent state, whereits potential is higher or lower than the potential applied to the series of con stant potential electrodes, to a pulsed condition when its potential with respect to the said constant potential: electrodes is the reverse of its previous condition. By means of-passive networks, that is networks in which there are no active components such as valves, generators, relays, e'tc., or by the use of a characteristic of the dis charge tube, the input pulse is coupled to the remaining series of electrodes in such a manner that either its leading or its trailing edge is delayed in time beyond that of the pulse to the input series of electrodes.

The term at volts in the following descriptions indi-. cates the incremental voltage which it is necessary to apply to anadjoining electrode in order to guide or pull the discharge path from the electrode on which. it: is halted to the said adjoining electrode.

Reference should now be made to the accompanying drawings in which each pair of Figures 1 and 2,- 3 and 4, 5 and 6, et cetera shows a different circuit arrangement according to my invention and an associated diagram illustrating the wave form of the potentials at thefelectrodes of the gaseous electric discharge tube therein.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. l a gaseous electric discharge tube DA is shown having one individual sig nal/ transit cathode electrode SC, nine commone'd signal/ 3 rcpt-current impulses which are some 60 volts positive with respect to the zero potential at lead ZA. With such an arrangement connected to the sources of the described potentials the value of resistors R1, R4 and R may conveniently be of the order of one million, one hundred thousand, and ten thousand ohms respectively, and the values of resistors R2 and R3 bc such that the potential at the junction of the said resistors R2 and R3 is of the order of 41 to 47 volts positive with respect to the potential at lead ZA. The capacitance of capacitor C1 in such a network may conveniently be of the order of 0.05 rnicrofarad. When such a circuit arrangement is connected to the described sources of potential a discharge glow is caused to invest and halt on the individual signal/transit electrode SC because this is the only electrode which initially provides (through resistor R4) a return path of the glow current to lead ZA.

The operation of the start key contacts KS1 and KS2 connects to zero potential at lead ZA the resistor networks R4, R5 and R3 feeding the signal/transit electrodes TC, the first-guide electrodes G1, and the secondguide electrodes G2. Each impulse on lead ICA is preceded by a quiescent period at least equal in duration to the applied voltage pulse period, and in the quiescent period preceding the receipt of the first impulse the potentials at the first and second guide electrodes G1 and G2 are such that the discharge glow remains halted on signal/transit electrode SC. The efiect of the spread" of the discharge glow is such that the potential at the first-guide electrodes G1 is in the region of x volts positive with regard to the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC. The potential at the second-guide electrodes G2 is substantially 2x volts positive to the potential at the said electrodes SC and TC.

On receipt of the first incoming pulse, a pulse of at least 3x volts positive potential is applied to signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC, and with the potential at first-guide electrodes G1 some 2x volts more negative than the resultant potential at the said electrodes SC and TC, at the commencement of the impulse, the discharge glow is guided to and invests the adjoining first-guide electrode G1. The signal/transit electrodes SC and TC are coupled to first-guide electrodes G1 by way of resistor R5, and the incoming pulse causes a pulse to pass to the said first-guide electrodes G1. The characteristics of the network coupling the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC with the first-guide electrodes G1 are such as to retard the rate of increase of potential to the first-guide electrodes G1, but are such as to allow the potential at the first-guide electrodes G1 to attain a value before the incoming pulse ceases, which is at least 2x volts more positive than the potential thereat during the preceding quiescent period.

When the pulse to first-guide electrodes Gll reaches a value when the potential thereat is of the order of x volts more positive than the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining second-guide electrodes G2. On the cessation of the incoming pulse the potential at signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC is restored rapidly to the potential existing during the preceding quiescent period, and when the potential thereat reaches a value where it is at least x volts more negative than the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining signal/ transit electrode TC.

The period during which the direct-current impulse is received will be termed the pulse period, and each such period is followed by a recovery period.of substantially equal duration. During the recovery period the potential at first-guide electrodes G1 declines from its maximum positive value until it reaches the potential at which it was maintained during the quiescent period. Each recovery period is followed by a quiescent period preceding the subsequent impulse period. At the conclusion of the recovery period, and throughout the following quiescent period the potentials at the signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC, the first-guide electrodes G1, and the secondg'uide electrodes G2 are of the orders obtaining during the quiescent period preceding the receipt of the voltage pulse.

With the potentials at electrodes G1, G2, TC and SC of the order described previously with reference to the quiescent period the receipt of a further impulse on lead ICA will cause thedischarge glow to move from the signal/transit electrode TC adjoining electrode SC to the next signal/ transit electrode TC, by way of the intervening guide electrodes G1 and G2, in a similar manner to that described previously. On the conclusion of the recovery period following each impulse period the potentials at the signal/ transit and guide electrodes SC, TC, G1 and G2 revert to the values obtaining in the previous quiescent period, and the discharge glow will move from one signal/transit electrode TC to an adjoining signal/ transit electrode TC in a prc-determined order on receipt of each impulse. In this manner a discharge tube of the type described may be employed to count a plurality of impulses from one to nine, and by making the glow visible the said plurality of pulses may be determined. On receipt of a tenth impulse in any one cycle of impulses the discharge glow will move to and reinvest the signal/ transit electrode SC from whence it started.

A diagram illustrating the wave form of the applied potentials at the first and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 respectively, and the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC of tube DA is shown in Fig. 2. In this diagram the relative potentials at the said electrodes are shown in relation to a time base and to a scale of potentials in which each marked division is substantially equal to x volts. The potential at the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC is represented by line STC, the potential at firstguide electrodes G1 by line PG, and the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 by line 56. The quiescent period is indicated by the space QP, the pulse period by space PP, and the recovery period by space RP.

The values and characteristics of the described arrangement and discharge tube'are such that the duration of the recovery period should be substantially equal to, and that of the quiescent period should not be less than, the duration of the incoming voltage pulse period. Such an arrangement will function satisfactorily when the rate of incoming pulses does not exceed 350 impulses per second.

The application of the arrangement described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 is very limited as it is restricted to counting up to a maximum of nine impulses with an illuminated display of the plurality of counted impulses. it is however very desirable that pulsing arrangements of the described type should be such that they may be connected in association with one or more other tubes of a like kind and be adapted to count large pluialities of impulses. It is also desirable that such arrangements should be capable of energising further electrical or electro-mechanical'means. The arrangement shown in Fig. 3 is similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 but is such that an outgoing pulse is derived therefrom at the conclusion of each cycle of ten incoming pulses.

The gaseous electric discharge tube DB in Fig. 3 is of the type described with reference to tube DA in Fig. l and is connected by way of lead PB to a source of suitable potential which is substantially 350 volts positive with respect to the zero potential at lead ZB, and to a source of suitable direct-current impulses which are some 60 volts positive with respect to the zero potential at lead ZB. The electrodes in tube DB are designated A, G1, G2, TC and SC and refer to the anode, first guide, second guide, cornmoned and single signal/transit electrodes respectively. With such an arrangement connected to the sources of the described potentials the value of resistors R13, R12 and R11 may conveniently be of the order of one million, one hundred thousand, and ten thousand ohms respectively, and the value of resistors R14, Ri5 and greases Rio be such that the otential at the junction of the said resistors R14, R and R16 is of the order of 41 to 47 volts positive with respect to the potential at lead 28. A suitable capacity for capacitance C11 in such an arrangement is of the order of 0.05 r'nicrofarad. When such an arrangement is connected to the described sources of potentials at discharge glow is caused to invest and halt on the individual signal/transit electrode SC.

The operation of the start key contacts KS3 and KS4 connects the signal/transit electrodes TC, the first-guide electrodes G1, and the second-guide electrodes G2 to zero-potential at lead 213-. Following the operation of start key contact KS3 the potential at first guide electrodes G1 becomes substantially 2.: volts more negative than the potential at the individual signal/transit electrode SC, and the glow moves to and invests the adjoining first-class electrode G1. The effect of the spread of the discharge glow in association with the resistor network R11/R12 is such that the potential at the secondguide electrodes G2 is in the region of x volts positive with regard to the potential at the first-guide electrode G1, and the discharge glow remains halted on the first guide electrode G1 adjoining the individual signal/transit electrode SC.

The first incoming pulse on lead ICB causes a pulse of at least 3x volts positive potential to be applied to the first-guide electrodes G1, and during the initial portion of the pulse the second-guide electrodes G2 are some 2x volts more negative than the potential at the first-guide electrodes G1, and the discharge glow moves to and halts on the adjoining second-guide electrodes G2. The characteristics of the resistor/capacitor network R1l/R12/ C11, to which the first and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 are connected, is such that the rate of increase of potential in the pulse to the second-guide electrodes G2 is considerably retarded, but is such that the potential at the said second guide electrodes G2 attains a value before the incoming pulse ceases which is at least 2x volts more positive than the potential therea t during the preceding quiescent period;

When the pulse to the second-guide electrodes G2 reaches a value when the potential thereat is of the order of x volts more positive than the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes TC and SC the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining signal/transit electrode TC. 0n the cessation of the incoming pulse the potential at the first-guide electrodes G1 returns rapidly to the potential at which it stood during the preceding quiescent period, and when the potential thereat reaches a value where it is at least x volts more negative than the poten tial at the signal/transit electrodes TC and SC the dis charge glow moves to and invests the adjoining first-guide electrode G1.

During the recovery period which follows the voltage pulse period the potential at the second-guide electrodes G2 returns at a relatively slow rate to the potential at which it was maintained during the preceding quiescent period. At the conclusion of the recovery period and throughout the subsequent quiescent period the potentials at the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC, and the rst and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2, are of the orders obtaining during the quiescent period preceding the re ceipt of the voltage pulse.

Each subsequent impulse on lead lCB causes the discharge glow to move, from the first-guide electrode G1 on which it is halted during the quiescent period, to the next signal-transit electrode TC in the series of such electrodes, by way of the adjoining second-guide electrode G2. and on completion of the said impulse to move to the next first-guide electrode G1 in the series of such electrodes in the tube DB. in this way a series of ten such impulses causes the discharge glow to complete a cycle of movements within the tube DB, and when the discharge glow invests the individual signal/transit elect-rode SC 6 on receipt of the tenth impulse a potential is developed across resistor R16 and a voltage pulse is produced on outgoing lead OCA. This outgoing voltage pulse may be connected to a .gaseous electric discharge tube of the type previously described and thence to suitable counting or registering means, or by way of suitable amplify ing arrangements of known type, or directly, to suitable counting or registering means.

A diagram illustrating the wave form of the applied potentials at the first and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 respectively, and the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC of tube DB is shown in Fig. '4. In this diagram the relative potentials at the said electrodes are shown in relation to a time base, and 'to a scale of potentials in which each marked division is substantially equal to .r volts. The potential at the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC is represented by line STC, the potential at first-guide electrodes G1 by line PG, and the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 by line SG. The quiescent. pulse, and recovery periods are indicated by the designations QP, PP, and RP respectively. p

The values and characteristics of the arrangements described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 are such that the duration of the recovery period should be substantially equal to, and that of the quiescent period should not be less than, the duration of the incoming voltage pulse period. torily, and form an outgoing pulse for each cycle of ten impulses received therein, when the rate of the said incoming pulses does not exceed 350 i'rnpulses per second,

A variation of the circuit shown in Fig. 3 is de icted in Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings, in this arrangemeet a tube DC of the type described previou ly is connected to a source of suitable potential at lead PC which is some 35Gvolts ositive with respect to the Zero potential at lead ZC, and to a source of direct-current impulses which are of the order of 60 volts positive with respect to the potential at lead 20. The characteristics of tube DC when connected to the described potentials are such that the value of resistors R21, R22, and R23 should be substantially one hundred thousand ohtns, one and a half million ohms, and one million ohms respectively. The value of resistors R24, R25 and R26 should be suchthat the potential at the junction or the said resistors R24, R25 and R26 is of the order of :50 volts positive with regard to the potential at lead ZC, and the capacity of capacitance C 21 be substantially 1000 microfarads; When such a circuit arrangement is connected to the described sources of potentials at discharge glow is caused to invest and halt on the individual signal/transit elec trode SC.

The Operation of the start key contacts KS1 and KS2 connects the signal/ transit electrodes TC, and the first and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2, to zero po ential at lead ZC; the potential at guide electrodes G1 becomes some 2x volts more negative than the potential at signal/transit electrode SC, and the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining first-guide electrode The combined effect of resistor/capacitor combination Ritz/C21 and the spread of the discharge glow is such that the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 assumes a value substantially mid-way between the potential at the signal/transit electrodes TC and SC, and that at the firstguide electrodes G1.

When an incoming pulse is received on lead ICC a pulse of: at least 4x positive potential is applied to the first-guide electrodes G1, and during the initial portion of the pulse the most negative potential is at second-guide electrodes G2, with the result that the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining s'econd-guide-electrode G2. The incoming pulse on lead ICC appears at the second-guide electrodes G2, but the change of potential thereat is'delayed by the effects of resistor/capacitor coin bination RZZ/ C21. When the potential at second-guide electrodes 62 attains a value where it seniex volts Such an arrangement will function satistac-- more positive than the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes TC and SC the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining signal/transit electrode TC. During the remainder of the pulse period the potential at the secondguide electrodes takes up a value substantially mid-way between the potential at the signal/transit electrodes TC, and that at the first-guide electrodes G1.

On the cessation of the incoming pulse the potential at the first-guide electrodes returns rapidly to the potential at which it stood during the preceding quiescent period, and when the potential thereat reaches a value where it is at least x volts more negative than the potential at the signal/transit electrodes TC the discharge glow moves to and invests-the adjoining first-guide electrode G1. During the recovery period which follows the pulse period the potential at the second-guide electrodes G2 returns at a relatively slow rate to the potential at which it was maintained during the preceding quiescent period. At the conclusion of the recovery period and throughout the subsequent quescent period the potentials at electrodes A, SC, TC, G1 and G2 are of the orders obtaining during the previous quiescent period.

Each subsequent impulse causes the discharge glow to move, from the first-guide electrode on which it is halted during the quiescent period to the next signal/ transit electrode TC in the series of such electrodes, and on completion of the impulse to move to and invest the next first-guide electrode in the tube DC. In this way a series or" ten such impulses causes the discharge glow to complete a cycle of movements within the tube DC, and when the discharge glow invests the individual signal/ transit electrode SC on receipt of the tenth impulse a potential is developed across resistor R25 and a voltage pulse is produced on outgoing lead GB. In this way a gaseous electric discharge tube of the type described may be adapted to count series of ten incoming pulses and to pass an outgoing signal to other counting or registering means on the completion of each such series of pulses.

A diagram illustrating the wave form of the potentials at the first and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 respectively, and the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC of the tube DC is shown in Fig. 6. The relative potentials at the said electrodes are shown in relation to a time base, and to a scale of potentials in which each marked division is substantially equal to x volts. The potential at the signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC is represented by line STC, the potential at first-guide electrodes G1 by line PG, and the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 by line SG. The quiescent, pulse, and recovery periods are indicated by the designations QP, PP, and RP respectively. The values and characteristics of the arrangements described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6 are similar to those described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, and will function satisfactorily when the rate of incoming pulses does not exceed 300 impulses per second.

In the arrangement according to my invention shown in Fig. 7 a gaesous electric discharge tube DD with an anode A, first-guide electrodes G1, second-guide electrodes G2 and signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC is connected by way of lead PD to a source of suitable potential which is substantially 350 volts positive with respect to the Zero potential at lead ZD, and to a source of suitable directcurrent impulses which are some 80 volts positive with respect to the said zero potential. With such an arrangement connected to the described sources of potential, the value of resistors R31 and R32 may each be 56,000 ohms, R33 be 100,000 ohms, R34 be 1,000,000, and R35 be 180,000 ohms, or values of the order of the described resistances. The value of resistors R36, R37 and R38 are arranged to be such that the value of the potential at the junction of the said resistors is of the order of 55 volts positive with respect to the potential on lead ZD when key contacts KS8 are closed. The capacitance of capacitor C31 is substantially 0.05 microfarad.

A discharge glow is caused to invest the individual signal/transit electrode SC when the arrangement shown in Fig. 7 is connected to the described sources of potential. On the subsequent operation of start key contacts KS7 and KS8, the signal/transit electrodes TC, the firstguide electrodes G1, and the second-guide electrodes G2 are connected to the zero potential at ZD. The characteristics of the discharge tube DD and the resistor network are such that the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC becomes some 2x volts more positive than the potential at the second-guide electrodes G2, and the tirst-guide electrodes G1 are biassed x volts positive with regard to the potential at the said electrodes G2, and the discharge glow is caused to move to and invest the second-guide electrode G2 adjoining the individual signal/transit electrode SC. Each incoming pulse to this arrangement is of a value such that the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 becomes at least 3x volts more positive than the potential thereat during the quiescent period preceding a pulse. On receipt of each such impulse on lead ICD a pulse of substantially rectangular wave form is passed to the first-guide electrodes G1, and a pulse of exponential wave form to the second-guide electrodes G2.

The potential at anode electrode A is held at a value such that the discharge path between the said anode A and an electrode of the plurality of cathode electrodes SC, TC, G1 and G2 is maintained when the potentials at the said guide electrodes G1 and G2 are modified by the incoming pulses. When the pulse to second-guide electrodes G2 reaches a value when the potential at the said electrodes G2 is of the order of x volts more positive than the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC the discharge glow moves to and reinvests the adjoining individual signal/ transit electrode SC. On completion of the pulse period the potential at first-guide electrodes G1 is restored rapidly to the potential at which it stood during the preceding quiescent period, which is some x volts more negative than the potential at signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC, and the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining first-guide electrode G1. During the recovery period which follows the pulse period the potential at second-guide electrodes G2 returns at a relatively slow rate to the potential at which it stood during the quiescent period, and on reaching a value where it is some x volts more negative than the potential at first-guide electrode G1 the discharge glow moves to, invests, and halts on the second-guide electrode G2 adjoining the said iirst-guide electrode G1. The potentials at the electrodes A, SC, TC, G1 and G2 during the subsequent quiescent period are similar to those which existed during the preceding quiescent period.

The second impulse in each series causes the discharge glow to move from the second-guide electrode G2 on which it is halted during the quiescent period to the adjoining signal/transit electrode TC, and on completion of the pulse to pass by way of the adjoining first-guide electrode Git to the next second-guide electrode G2 and halt thereon. Each subsequent impulse causes the discharge giow to move from one second-guide electrode G2 to the next such electrode G2, by way of a signal/ transit electrode vTC and a. first-guide electrode G1 in that order. In this way a series of ten such impulses cause the discharge glow to complete a cycle of movements within the tube DD, and when a discharge glow invests the individual signal/ transit electrode SC on receipt of the first impulse in each such series a potential is developed across resistor R37 to produce a voltage pulse on outgoing lead OGC.

A diagram illustrating the wave form of the applied potentials at the first and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 respectively, and the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC of tube DD is shown in Fig. 8. The designation of the potentials and periods is similar to that described with reference to Figs. 2, 4 and 6. With the stated values and characteristics the arrangements described. withzreference to Figs. 7 and 8 will function satisfactorily" when the rate of incoming pulses does not exceed 450'impulses per second.

In a further arrangement according to my invention the first-guide electrodes are held at a potential x volts positive to, and the second-guide electrodes are biassed at potentials 2x volts positive to, the potential at the signal/transit electrodes. Each incoming pulse has a potential at least 3x volts positive to the potential at the signal/transit electrodes, and is applied at 2x volts potential to the signal/transit electrodes. This incoming pulse is also passed by way of a resistance/reactance network to the second-guide electrodes. On receipt of each incoming pulse the discharge path moves to the adjacent first-guide electrode in consequence of the changed potential at the signal/ transit electrodes. A brief positive-going pulse is produced at the second-guide electrodes from the positive-going leading edge of the incoming pulse.

On the cessation of the pulse to the signal/ transit electrodes the negative-going trailing edge thereof produces a brief negative-going pulse at the second-guide-electrodes. When the potential at the said second-guide electrodes becomes x volts negative with regard to the potential at the signal/transit electrodes in their quiescent state, the discharge path moves to and halts on the adjacent secondguide electrode, and on the cessation of the brief negative-going pulse thereto the discharge path, moves to and halts on the adjacent signal/transit electrode.

The plurality of impulses which may be counted in a single series with such an arrangement is limited, however, to that plurality of impulses which will produce a cycle of movements of the discharge path within the gaseous discharge tube. A modification of this arrangement adapted to produce an outgoing pulse at the conclusion of each cycle of movements of the discharge path is shown in Fig. 9 of the accompanying drawings. Such an arrangement is suitable for use with other similar tubes, and suitable amplifying, recording and registering means to count large pluralities of electrical impulses.

The value of resistors R41, R42, R43 and. R44 is 100,000 ohms, 150,000 ohms, 4,700 ohms, and 1,000,000 ohms respectively, and the resistance of resistors R45, R46, R47, and R48 is such that with lead PE connected to a suitable source of potential which issorne 350 volts positive to the zero potential at. lead ZE, the potential at the junction of resistors R43, R46 and R47. is of the order of 55 volts positive, and the potential atthe: junction of resistors R45, R47 and R48 is of the order of 38. volts positive, to the said zero potential at lead ZE. Lead ICE is connected to a suitable source from which direct-current pulses at a potential some 120 volts positive with regard to. the potential at lead ZE, and of a frequency not. exceeding 350 impulses per second, are obtained.

When the arrangement depicted in Fig. 9is connected to. the described sources of potential the characteristics of. discharge tube DE are such that a discharge path is caused to invest and halt on the individual signal/transit elect-rode SC. On the operation of start keycontacts KS9 and K810 the potential at first-guide electrodes G1 becomes some x volts positive, and that at second-guide electrodes G2 becomes some x volts negative, with respect to the potential at the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC,.and1 the discharge path moves to the secondrguide electrode G2 adjoining the individual signal/transit electrode SC. On receipt of the first impulse on lead ICE' the potential at second-guide electrode G2 becomes at least x volts more positive than the potential at the signal/transit elec trodes SC and TC, and the potential at first-guide electrodes G1 rapidly becomes at least 4x volts more positive than the potential thereat during the quiescent period. With the most negative potential at signal/transit electrodes SC and TC the discharge path returns to the. adjoining individual signal/ transit electrode SC from whence. it started. During 10 the pulse period the potential; atfirst-guide electrode 61 returns to, thevalue at which it stood: during the quiescent period.

On the conclusion of the pulse period a negative-going. pulse is developed at the said electrodes G1, and the potential thereat rapidly becomes at least 4x volts more negative than the potential thereat during. the quiescent period. The potential at second-guide electrode G2 returns to its previous value at the conclusion of the pulse, and as the first-guide electrode G1 is at the most negative potential the discharge moves to and invests the adjoining firstguide electrode G1. During the recovery period the potential at first-guide electrode G1 returns at a relatively slow rate to they value at. which it stood during the quiescent period, and when the said potential becomes at least x volts more positive than the potential at the secondguide electrode G2 the discharge pathmoves to and invests the adjoining second-guide electrode G2.

Each subsequent impulse causes the discharge path to move'from one second-guide electrode G2 to the next such electrode G2 in the series of such electrodes in the tube, and in so doing to invest the intervening signal/transit electrode TC and first-guide electrode Gllv in. turn. On such occasion that the discharge path invests the individual signal/ transit electrode SC a potential is developed. across resistor R45, and an output pulse of potential is pro duced at pulse lead OGD. In this manner the described arrangement may be: adapted: to pass an outgoing pulse to a discharge tube in a further counting stage, or to other known counting. or registering. means on the receipt of the'first, eleventh, twenty-first, and. every subsequent tenth impulse in each series of incoming pulses received thereby. The Waveforms of the potential at theifirst-guide electrodes G1, second-guide electrodes G2, and signal/transit electrodes SC and TC in the gaseous discharge tube DE in such an arrangement are shownv in Fig. 10 of the accompanying drawing. The said wave forms are shown in relation to a scale ofpotentials in units of x Volts, and a time base related to the quiescent period QP, the pulse period PP, and the recovery period RIP. The first-guide and second-guide electrode potentials are indicated by the lines PG and SG respectively, and that of the signal/ transit electrodes by line STC.

Fig.v 11 shows a further arrangement embodying our invention in which a gaseous electric discharge tube DF is connected to a suitable source of potential by way of lead PF which is some 350 volts positive with regard to the zero potential at lead ZF; Lead ICE is connected to a suitablesource of incoming pulses, such as may be derived from the cathode of a suitable gas filled triode, for example a so-called trigger triode, which have a peak potential of the order of volts positive with. regard to the said potential at lead ZF, and are of a frequency which does not exceed 100 impulses per second. With such an arrangement connected to sources of the described potentials the resistance value of resistors R51, R52, and R53 may be of the order of 100,000 ohms, 220,000 ohms, and 1,000,- 000 ohms respectively, andthe value of resistors R54, R55, R56 and R57 be such that the potential at. the junction of resistors R54, R55 and R56, and that at the junction of resistors R56 and R57 is of the order of 24 volts and 1 2 volts positive respectively with regard to the potential at lead ZF. Capacitors C51 and (352' have a capacitance of the order of 0.01 and 0&1 mierofaradrespectively.

With such an arrangement connected in the manner described a discharge path between anode A and the cathode electrodes iscaused to invest and halt on individual signal/transit electrode SC. When start key contacts KSH, K812, and K813: are operated the discharge glow moves to a more negative electrode and invests the adjoining second-guide electrode G2. The wave form of the incoming. pulses issuch that. each pulse has avery steep-wave front and awave tail of a-rcuateshape, and on receipt of. the first impulsethe potential at both. thefirstguide. and secondeguideelectrodes: G1. and. G2 rapidly:

becomes at least 2x volts more positive than the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC and the discharge glow moves to the adjoining individual signal/ transit electrode SC. After attaining their maximum positive value the potentials at first-guide and secondguide electrodes G1 and G2 return slowly at different rates to the potentials at which they stood in the preceding quiescent period. When the potential at first-guide electrode G1 attains a value where it is some x volts more negative than the potential at signal/transit electrodes SC and TC the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining first-guide electrode G1, and when the potential at second-guide electrode G2 returns to its quiescent period value the discharge glow moves to and invests the adjoining second-guide electrode G2. Each subsequent impulse causes the discharge glow to move from one secend-guide electrode G2 to the next such electrode by way of the intervening signal/ transit and first-guide electrodes TC and G1 respectively until on the completion of each tenth impulse the discharge glow again invests the secondguide electrode G2 from whence it started. Each investment of the individual signal/transit electrode SC produces a pulse of potential at lead OGE in a similar manner to that described previously, and is such that the described arrangement may be adapted to count impulses of potential in association with known counting and registering means.

A diagram illustrating the wave form of the potentials at the electrodes of discharge tube DP is shown in Fig. 12. Lines PG, 56 and STC indicate the potentials at the firstguide, second-guide, and signal/transit electrodes respectively in relation to a time base and a scale of potentials in which each division represents 1: volts. The periods designated PP and QP represent the pulse and subsequent quiescent periods respectively.

Fig. 13 shows an arrangement in which, when leads PG and NG are connected to sources of suitable poten tial, and lead ICG to a source of suitable impulses, the first-guide and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 respectively are biassed at 2x and x volts positively with respect to the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes SC and TC, and a negative-going pulse of substantially rectangular wave form with a minimum amplitude of 2x volts negative in respect to the potential at the signal/ transit electrodes is produced at the first-guide electrodes by each incoming pulse. Such an arrangement employs the characteristics of the discharge tube DG to complete the coupling between the first-guide and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2. The application of each pulse to the first-guide electrodes G1 produces a negative-going pulse of substantially double-exponential Wave form atthe second-guide electrodes G2, this pulse reaches a maxi mum potential which is x volts negative in respect to the potential at the signal/transit electrodes "EC.

The leading edge of the said rectangular Wave form pulse and that of the said double-exponential wave form pulse commence at substantially the same moment, and the discharge path moves to the adjacent first-guide electrode G1. The pulse of exponential wave form shape persists for a period after the cessation of the pulse of rec tangular wave form shape, and the discharge path moves to the adjacent second-guide electrode G2.

When the potential of the second-guide electrodes G2 returns to the value obtaining during the quiescent period the discharge path moves to the adjacent signal/transit electrode TC.

Such an arrangement may be adapted to pass an impulse by way of lead OGF to other counting or registering means on the completion of each cycle of movements of the discharge path by the provision of suitable start key contacts, in association with individual signal/ transit electrode SC, and an associated resistor R in a similar manner to the arrangements described previously. The relation of the wave forms of the potentials at the first-guide, second-guide, and signal/transit electrodes in discharge tube D6 to a scale of potentials in units of x volts and to a time base is shown in Fig. 14 of the accompanying drawings. In this drawing lines FG, SG and STC represent the potentials at the first-guide G1, secondguide G2, and signal/transit electrodes SC and TC respectively. Periods PP, RP and Q? represent the pulse, recovery, and quiescent periods respectively.

A further arrangement in which the characteristics of a discharge tube DH are used to couple the first and secondguide electrodes is shown in Fig. 15. In this arrangement the first-guide and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 respectively are held at potentials which are respectively 3x and x volts positive with regard to the potential at the signal/transit electrodes SC and TC, and the input pulses are connected by way of a resistor/capacitor network to the said first-guide and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2. The characteristics of this arrangement are such that with leads PH and NH connected to suitable sources of potential, and lead ICH to a suitable source of impulses, the wave form of the derived pulse to the firstguide electrodes G1 has a very steep wave front and a wave tail of arcuate shape in which the potential returns to a quiescent value at a steadily decreasing rate, and the wave form of the derived pulse to the second-guide electrodes G2 is of a substantially double-exponential shape. The said derived pulse to the first-guide electrodes G1 commences at substantially the same moment as the derived pulse to the second-guide electrodes G2.

When negative-going pulses with these characteristics are passed to the first-guide and second-guide electrodes G1 and G2 of discharge tube DH the discharge path moves from the signal/transit electrode to the first-guide electrode G1, and thence to the adjoining second-guide electrode G2, and on the completion of each pulse, to the adjoining signal/ transit electrode SC or TC.

The arrangement described in Fig. 15 may be adapted to pass an impulse by way of lead OGG to other counting or registering means on the completion of each cycle of movements of the discharge path by the provision of suitable starting key contacts in association with individual signal/transit electrode SC, and an associated resistor R in a similar manner to the arrangements described previously.

Fig. 16 shows the wave form of the potentials at the first-guide G1, second guide G2, and signal/transit electrodes TC of discharge tube DH in relation to a time base and a scale of potentials in which each division represents x volts. Lines FG, SG, and STC represent the potentials at the said first-guide, second-guide, and signal/transit electrodes, whilst the designations QP, PP and RP represent the quiescent, pulse, and recovery periods respectively.

Although I have described my invention with regard to a preferred type of gaseous electric discharge tube it is not restricted to that particular type but is applicable to other types of tube in which the discharge path is guided in a pre-determined order to each electrode in a series of electrodes; by way of example, in another such type the polarity of the constituent electrodes may be transposed and the signal/transit, and guide electrodes form anodes and the common electrode form a cathode, and the polarity of the incoming pulses and pulses derived therefrom be modified to suit the transposed polarity of the constituent electrodes.

Numerous detailed circuit variations of the simple arrangements shown in the accompanying drawings will become obvious to those skilled in the art after the basic principles described previously are understood. For example, by providing each signal/transit electrode with separate means of access to an external network the investment of each such electrode may be adapted to select one of a plurality of lines connected to the said network.

What I claim is:

1. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electric glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of oppoite polarity providing between each of them and said common electrode a separate glow discharge path and arranged so that a plurality of substantially similar discharge paths are arranged in succession, the electrodes of said groups being arranged in successions of one from each group in turn, means for connecting said common electrode and at least one of said electrodes across a source of electrical potential whereby aglow discharge may be set up, means for applying a succession of electric impulses to one of said groups of electrodes whereby at each impulse a glow discharge is attracted from an electrode adjacent to one in said group to the electrode in said group, a timing circuit connecting electrodes in said group to the electrodes in another of the said groups to cause each impulse to in fiuence the electrodes of the second group with a diffen ent timing whereby the glow discharge to an electrode in the first group is attracted to an adjacent electrode in the second group and potential stabilizing means connecting one of said groups of electrodes to said common electrode to maintain such group of electrodes at a substantially constant electrical potential in relation to the glow discharge potential.

2. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electric glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity having the individual electrodes in each group connected to one another, said groups of electrodes being spaced from said common electrode to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge paths and said groups. of electrodes being also arranged in repeating sequences of one electrode from each group in turn, means for connecting the discharge tube to a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge between the common electrode and one of said other electrodes, means for applying a succession of electrical impulses to one of said groups of electrodes, potential transmitting means connecting each of said groups of electrodes to another group in such manner that on receipt of each impulse variations of potential are applied to at least two of the groups of electrodes in timed succession to cause the glow discharge to be attracted from one discharge gap to two successive discharge gaps in turn and afterwards passed to a discharge gap at an electrode in the same group as that of the initial discharge, and potential stabilising means for maintaining one of said groups of electrodes at a constant electrical potential in relation to the potential of said common electrode.

3. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electric glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity spaced from said common electrode to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge paths arranged in a continuous circuit, commoning connections connecting individual electrodes in each group, said groups of electrodes being arranged in order of repeating sequences of one electrode from each group in turn, means for connecting the discharge tube to a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge between the common electrode and one of said other electrodes, means for connecting one of said groups of electrodes to a source from which a succession of electrical impulsesis derived, resistances connected between said groups of electrodes whereby the eifect of each applied impulse is transmitted to at leat two groups of electrodes with different timing, whereby a glow discharge at one discharge path is attracted in turn to two following discharge paths and subsequently passes to the next succeeding discharge path due to potential variations set up by an applied impulse and means for maintaining one of said groups of electrodes at a constant electrical'potential in relation to the potential. of said common electrode.

4. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses cornprisinga gasfilled electric glow discharge tube comprising; a: common electrode of one polarity; a. plus rality of electrodesvofi opposite polarity-comprising :at' least three; groups ofsuch electrodes spaced from said common' electrode to provide between them and said common electrode asuccession'of substantially similar glowdschargepaths arranged in a continuous endless course, said; electrodes ofopposite polarity being arranged also.- in repeating sequences of one electrode from each group inturn; commoningmeans. connecting together individual electrodes in each of all except one of said groups, a commoning connection connecting together all except oneof the individual electrodes in said other group, meansfor connecting the discharge tube to. a source of electricalpotential to set up a glow discharge between the. common electrode and the unconnected electrode in said lastmentioned group, means for applying a succession of=electrical impulses to-one'of said groups of electrodes, potential; transmitting means connecting each of said groups of electrodes to another group in such. manner that on' receipt of each impulse variations of potential are applied to at least twoof the groups of electrodes in timed: succession to cause" the glow discharge to be attracted from one discharge gap. to two successive discharge gaps in turn and afterwards passed to a discharge gap atan electrode in the same group as that of the. initial discharge, and potential stabilising means for maintaining one: of said groups of electrodes at a constant electrical potential'in relation. to the potential of said common electrode;

5-. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electric glow discharge tube; including; a. common electrode of one polarity, at least three: groups ofi electrodes of opposite polarity spaced from said common electrode to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge paths arranged in an endless; course, and with the grouped electrodes ar ranged in repeating; sequences of one electrode from each group in turn along: said course, commoningmeans connecting; together in their groups the individual electrodes thereof; a further electrode associated with one of. the groups unconnected to the remaining electrodes. in said group, means for connecting the discharge: tube; to: a source: of electrical potentialto set up a glow dis charge between. the common electrode and said unconnected: electrode, means for connecting said groups of electrodes toa source of a train of electrical impulses, a resistance network connecting the groups of electrodes. to one another in suchmanner as to cause in timed successiojn due to a single impulse variations in potential be tween adjacent groups of electrodes whereby to attractv the glow discharge initially setup first to an electrode in one group next to said unconnected electrode and thenv to asucceeding electrode-inanother group and afterwards. to cause the discharge to pass to a discharge gap at an; electrode inthe group with which the unconnected elec trade is. associated, and potential stabilising means for maintaining, one of said groups of electrodes at a constant. electrical potential in relation to the potential of said common. electrode.

6. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electric glow discharge tube. including a common electrode of one polarity, at least. three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity spaced; from. said common electrode to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge paths arranged in succession to an. endless course, said electrodes being, arranged in repeating sequences of one electrode from each group in turn, means for connecting together in their groups the individual electrodes of each group with the exception of one electrode in one group, means whereby the discharge tube may be connected to a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge between the common electrode and said unconnected electrode, resistances interposed in circuit between the groups of electrodes, astabilizing resistance connected between one of said groups of electrodes and said common electrode,

connections whereby said groups of electrodes may be connected to a source of a succession of electrical impulses, said resistances being arranged so that each applied impulse of the succession will influence the potentials of the electrodes of the groups in such a timed sequence that a discharge at an electrode of the group with which the unconnected electrode is associated is attracted in turn to each of two succeeding electrodes and caused to be passed on to a further electrode of the said first group.

7. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electric glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity comprising a group of signal/transit electrodes and a plurality of groups of guide electrodes, said groups of electrodes being arranged in an endless course and spaced from the common electrode to provide a succession of similar glow discharge gaps, said groups of electrodes being arranged in repeating sequences of one signal/transit electrode and one electrode from each group of guide electrodes in turn, commoning means connecting together in their groups the individual electrodes, means for connecting the discharge tube to a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge between the common electrode and one of the signal/transit electrodes, means for connecting one of said groups of guide electrodes to a source from which a succession of electrical impulses may be applied, potential transferring means connected between the groups of electrodes, potential stabilising means connected between one group of electrodes and said common electrode to maintain said group at a constant electrical potential in relation to the glow discharge potential, said potential transferring means being so arranged that on receipt of each impulse from the impulse source variations of potential are applied to the groups of guide electrodes in timed succession to cause the glow discharge to be attracted from a signal/transit electrode to an adjoining guide electrode in one group and then to a successive adjoining guide electrode in another group and afterwards passed to a succeeding signal/transit electrode.

8. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electric glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity provided by a group of signal/transit electrodes and a plurality of groups or" guide electrodes, said groups of electrodes being spaced from the common electrode to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge gaps arranged in an endless course, said groups of electrodes being arranged in repeating sequences of one signal/transit electrode and one electrode from each group of guide electrodes in turn along said course, commoning means connecting together in their groups the individual electrodes thereof with the exception of one signal/transit electrode, means for connecting the discharge tube to a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge between the common electrode and the uncommoned signal/transit electrode, means for connecting said groups of guide electrodes to a source of a succession of electrical impulses, a resistance network connecting the groups of guide and signal/ transit electrodes in such manner as to cause in timed succession variations in potential of different groups of electrodes due to a single applied impulse received from said source whereby to attract the glow discharge from the signal/transit electrode to a guide electrode next adjacent thereto in one group of guide electrodes and then to the succeeding guide electrode in another group and afterwards to cause the discharge to pass to the succeeding signal/transit electrode, and potential stabilising means for maintaining one of said groups of electrodes at a constant electrical potential in relation to the potential of the said common electrode,

9. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electrical glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity provided by a group of signal/transit electrodes and a plurality of groups of guide electrodes, said groups of electrodes being spaced from the common electrode to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge gaps between them and the common electrode arranged in an endless course said groups of electrodes being arranged in repeating sequence of one signal/transit electrode and one electrode from each group of guide electrodes in turn along said course, commoning means connecting together in their groups the individual electrodes thereof with the exception of one signal/transit electrode, means for connecting the discharge tube to a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge between a common electrode and the uncommoned signal/transit electrode, means connected between one of said groups of electrodes and said common electrode to maintain said group at a substantially constant potential with respect of said glow discharge potential, means for connecting said groups of guide electrodes to a source of electrical impulses and potential transmitting means connected between the said groups of electrodes whereby each applied impulse influences the potential of groups of the electrodes other than that maintained at a substantially constant potential in timed sequence to vary their potentials in relation to that of said last mentioned group in such manner as to cause a glow discharge investing a signal/transit electrode to be attracted in turn to guide electrodes of different groups for transfer to a succeeding signal/ transit electrode.

10. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas tilled electrical glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity provided by a group of signal/transit electrodes and a plurality of groups of guide electrodes, said groups of electrodes being spaced substantially uniformly from the common electrode in a sequence around an endless course such that each signal/transit electrode is followed by guide elec trodes, one from each group thereof in turn to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge gaps between electrodes in the groups and the common electrode, commoning means connecting together in their groups the individual electrodes thereof, means for connecting the discharge tube to a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge between the common electrode and one of the signal/transit electrodes, means for maintaining one of said groups of electrodes at a substantially constant potential in relation to the potential of said common electrode, means for connecting said groups of guide electrodes to a source of electrical impulses, a resistance network connecting the groups of guide and signal/transit electrodes and adapted to transfer the potential set up by an impulse at one group of guide electrodes to a succeeding group of guide electrodes with a slight time lag and in such manner that the glow discharge on a signal/transit electrode is attracted first to the next adjacent guide electrode in one group and later to the next adjacent guide electrode in a succeeding group of guide electrodes for transfer of the discharge to a succeeding signal/ transit electrode.

11. A circuit arrangement for counting electrical impulses comprising a gas filled electrical glow discharge tube including a common electrode of one polarity, at least three groups of electrodes of opposite polarity provided by a group of signal/ transit electrodes and a plurality of groups of guide electrodes, said groups of electrodes being spaced from the common electrode to provide a succession of substantially similar glow discharge gaps arranged in an endless course, said groups of electrodes together providing a succession along said course of sequences each consisting of one signal/transit electrode followed by one electrode from each group of guide 17 electrodes in turn, commoning means connecting together in their groups the individual electrodes thereof with the exception of one signal/transit electrode, means for connecting the discharge tube with said common electrode and said unconnected signal/transit electrode across a source of electrical potential to set up a glow discharge on said signal/transit electrode, switch means for bringing said remaining electrodes in said groups into circuit with the last mentioned signal/transit electrode, a potential applying circuit network connecting said groups of guide and signal/transit electrodes, a resistance con nected between one of said groups of electrodes and said common electrode to maintain said group of electrodes at a substantially constant potential and means for applying a succession of impulses at a point in such network such that the potentials of the electrodes in said groups are varied in timed sequence with respect to one another to cause the glow discharge to be transferred by attraction from a signal/transit electrode to each of two succeeding guide electrodes of different groups in turn for transfer to the succeeding signal/transit electrode.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES The Single-pulse Dekatron by I. R. Acton, reprint of Electronic Engineering, Fig. 1952. 

